How To Avoid The New Stimulus Check Scam In Minnesota
As people are awaiting additional stimulus checks, Scammers are hard at work right now figuring out ways to get that money out of your hands.
Cyber Criminals are issuing fake texts offering thousands of dollars or more in Covid relief, with bad links that if clicked on, can completely compromise your identity, financial information and more.
HERE'S HOW THE SCAM OPERATES
- Potential victims will receive a text containing false claims of Covid Relief. Usually, the Scammer will use your name in the text message, to get the victim to click on a link. If you DO click on the link, it will open a malicious program that allows hackers to access your personal information.
HOW TO AVOID THE SCAM
- I know it's tempting to open the text, but whatever you do, Don't Click on the link. Just know that you will NOT be receiving a text about getting funds from the government. YOU JUST WON'T. No matter how desperate you are, do not click on the link.
Have you ever heard of the children's book, "There's A Monster at the End of this Book?" It featured Grover, who tells you over and over to NOT TURN THE PAGE, or you'll get to the monster at the end of the book. Luckily, in that book, if you keep turning the pages, you get to a GOOD monster at the end...in this case, you will not.
- Check your bank accounts daily. Make sure you haven't already been duped.
IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE...
I know you've heard it before. Use common sense. If it sounds too good to be true...it probably is. I've never had something like this turn out to be a good thing. If you win the lottery...okay...You know where to go to find out if it's legit. You won't get texts from the government about stimulus checks.
If you'd like to educate yourself about scams, you may want to check out this new book, which you can find by clicking HERE. The book is called, "Big Breaches...Cybersecurity Lessons For Everyone."